by Mari Radtke
Jerri Welp began her tenure as the Marcus Library Director March 16. She’s been busy learning the software, the clientele, the ropes. Jeri considers herself an avid reader, one thing that was a draw to this position for her. “It’s an opportunity to get involved with reading, writing and community,” she added as reasons she was attracted to the Library Director positon. All the while Jeri has connected with the District Library representative for the State of Iowa. Ties to library board members and MarJo, a library assistant strengthen during this time of tranisition. She explained how the board and “Friends of the Library” and MarJo took over and carried on during the director intermission. They even filled the summer with youth programming. Jeri expects to add adult programming for summer, too.
“The board’s been great. They are wonderful,” Jeri said of her board members. Jeri speaks just as highly of MarJo.
Jeri grew up in Marcus with family in the immediate area. She attended MMCRU but graduated from Remsen where she currently lives with her 3 school-aged children.
The board has given her a directive to make the changes she sees fit to make at the library. At present Jeri sees the biggest focus on “weeding out some old books.” She speaks of refreshing the collection. The childrens’ books are a main focus with with newer books carrying the same good messages. Look for more diversified genres in the adult section. The “Friends of the Library” received a grant to add large-print books which is an on-going project. They also made the job attractive with some flexibility to her schedule. In addition to being a mom and a library director, Jeri began a cheerleading squad in LeMars. She has 2 teams, one of which will be competing in a national cheer competition next week. She also has a photo studio in Remsen that she still operates.
For now, the Marcus Library is open Monday – Wednesday 11:00am – 5:30pm, Thursday 11:00am – 6:00pm and Friday 10:00am – 5:30pm. Saturday the library is open 10:00am – 1:30pm. A survey is being considered to learn what hours the patrons would most use the library.
The Marcus Library is a tier 3. There are many requirements for a library to earn that distinction. It is a point of pride among libraries and a goal of the Marcus Library to keep that distinction. It takes a lot of effort and a lot of work by the board as well as the staff.